Bus

FTA awards $164.7M to 'green' transit projects

On Thursday, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that urban and rural transit providers across the nation will receive a share of $164.7 million for cutting-edge projects that create "green" jobs, promote the use of clean fuels, and help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

"Putting money into green transportation just makes sense,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These projects will reduce our nation’s dependence on oil and create many good-paying green jobs for American workers.”

The money is being provided through FTA’s Fiscal Year 2010 Discretionary Sustainability Funding Opportunity, announced last April, which comprises two programs: $89.7 million from FTA’s Clean Fuels Grant Program, including partial funding from the Bus and Bus Facility discretionary program, and $75 million from FTA’s Transit Investment in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program.The Clean Fuels funds were awarded to 36 transit recipients; TIGGER funds were awarded to 27 recipients.

Clean Fuels grant recipients were chosen through a competitive selection process based on their ability to help communities achieve or maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide, while supporting emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses.

TIGGER funds, also chosen by competitive selection, were awarded based on a project’s ability to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and provide a return on the investment.

The winning proposals were submitted by transit agencies from across the country.The FTA reviewed more than 274 applications from across the U.S. seeking a total of $1.4 billion.

The campaign is similar to the one developed for subways, with the focus on reminding passengers that avoiding certain behaviors can ensure a faster and more pleasant ride for everyone. Reminders include step aside to let others off first; remove your backpack; and don’t clip your nails on the bus.

While Founder Matt George is interested in connecting Capitol Hill, K Street and Dupont Circle, it’s not yet clear if those will be the neighborhoods Bridj starts with. The start-up is encouraging interested customers to request specific routes on its website

Des Moines Area Regional Transit's 60-foot low floor articulated buses will replace high-floor buses and include newly installed ramps, remanufactured power trains, transmissions, engines and brakes. It will also be equipped with two ADA compliant wheelchair lifts.